DEGREES AVAILABLE: Major
Computer science is the catalyst for every evolutionary – and revolutionary – step in computer development.
From mathematical theories, data structures and algorithms to the operating systems and programs that employ them, an understanding of computer science is essential if you wish to develop the next advances in computer technology and applications.
The Computer Science program at UC Irvine is internationally recognized for its unique group of faculty and researchers, outstanding students and cutting edge educational programs.
› Is Computer Science for me?
› What do I take?
› What can I do with a degree?
› Special Programs and Courses
› Still not sure?Is Computer Science for me?
The Computer Science major provides students with an education that focuses on the characteristics of computers and the software that runs them.
Additionally, students may take a variety of courses to broaden their knowledge and/or specialize in particular areas.
For instance, the major is well-suited for in-depth study in traditional topics such as artificial intelligence, advanced data structures, expert systems, and computer graphics, as well as more modern topics such as computational biology and computer games.
Still not sure? Try the major advisor
Finding the right major can be a bit overwhelming, but by consulting our major advisor you should get a better sense of which Bren School major(s) are right for you.
What do I take?
A sample course of study for the Computer Science degree is available.
This is just one example; students may complete these courses in any order that is consistent with the prerequisites and the actual offerings each year.
You may also view a listing of all our undergraduate courses and witness the breadth and depth of our offerings.
What can I do with this degree?
Graduates of the Computer Science program will be in a position to pursue a variety of careers that involve the design and development of embedded systems, programming languages, compilers, networks and operating systems.
They can be principal designers or involved in implementation, typically at companies that design, implement and sell these products. They may find themselves in charge of large-scale deployments and/or customizations at the organizations that use them.
Finally, the strong scientific preparation allows students to become involved in such areas as artificial intelligence and computational biology – whether in graduate school or industry.
Many students also go on to graduate school, continuing their studies, conducting research, and earning graduate degrees in software engineering, computer science, information science, management and law.
Special Programs and Courses
» CONCENTRATION IN GAME CULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
The concentration in Game Culture and Technology is available to students majoring in Information and Computer Science, Informatics, Computer Science, and Studio Art.It exposes advanced students to an influential and expanding sector of media culture and contemporary art and technology practice, facilitates students’ media literacy in relation to an increasingly prevalent art and entertainment form, and enables students to be more critical consumers and producers of new media art and culture.
» OPPORTUNITIES FOR HONORS-LEVEL STUDY
Incoming freshmen majoring in Computer Science, Computer Science and Engineering, and Information and Computer Science are invited to apply for admission to the Bren School of ICS's introductory honors sequence (ICS H21/H22/H23) in the summer preceding their fall quarter entry; details are provided during summer orientation workshops.The honors courses provide a uniquely challenging and intimate learning environment in which the conventional course material is explored in greater depth.
» BREN SCHOOL OF ICS HONORS PROGRAM
Allows juniors and seniors majoring in Computer Science, Computer Science and Engineering, Informatics, or Information and Computer Science to pursue advanced work in one of many research areas.Students admitted to the program participate in an honors seminar, conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty member, and write a research paper.
More information about eligibility criteria and benefits of successful completion of the honors program is available at the Honors program web site.
» INDEPENDENT RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
The School encourages all majors to take advantage of this valuable experience, and faculty advertise many research opportunities every year.Students are also encouraged to participate in the campus Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), which offers guidance and grant funding for student-proposed independent research, and sponsors programs which provide summer stipends for students working on faculty-guided research.
» CAMPUSWIDE HONORS PROGRAM
Available to selected high-achieving students from all academic majors from their freshman through senior years. For more information see the CHP web site.» EDUCATION ABROAD PROGRAM
Upper-division students have the opportunity to experience different cultures while making progress toward degree objectives through the Education Abroad Program (EAP).EAP is an overseas study program which operates in cooperation with host universities and colleges throughout the world.
Still not sure?
Undergraduate counselors are eager to talk to you about this and other Bren School degrees, just drop them a note.
You may also want to visit campus, take a tour and experience the Bren School and UCI in person.
